A dog found on the side of Route 10 in Denville with over 50 old and new bite marks on his body appears to have been used as "bait" to train other dogs to fight, and police announced today that the Humane Society will offer a $2,500 reward to anyone who can provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the abusers.

Denville's animal control officer, Meredith Petrillo, found the dog last Thursday, police said. He appeared to be a greyhound/labrador mix and was very submissive, Petrillo told police. She believes he was used as a baiting dog, police said.

"They use these submissive dogs for fighting dogs to practice with. Because these dogs won't fight back, it allows the fighting dogs to be more aggressive," said Lt. Chris Wagner of the Denville police.

The dog was treated by the Animal Clinic of Morris Plains and released today, police said.